Carolina Panthers should monitor Dawand Jones
- Offensive Tackle | Ohio State Buckeyes
While the Carolina Panthers offensive line made dramatic progress in 2022 under the guidance of coach James Campen, this positional group is lacking sufficient depth. This bears more significance if Pat Elflein, Cam Erving, and Bradley Bozeman don’t stick around.
Considering the long-term injuries suffered by Brady Christensen and Austin Corbett, finding depth pieces via the draft is something for those in power to contemplate. The Panthers got lucky with health across their protection until very late in 2022, but that might not be the case next time around.
Dawand Jones was the talk of Mobile after measuring a whopping 6-foot-8 and 360 pounds. The Ohio State product also had a wing span of 89.5 inches, which was a Senior Bowl record.
This got people talking about what Jones could bring to the NFL. Thankfully for the prospect, he’s backed up his next-level frame with quality production against edge rushers expected to hear their names called relatively early throughout Senior Bowl practices so far.
Jones is an exceptional run blocker and has the frame to develop his pass protection over time. There is sometimes a rigidness to the player’s approach overall, but teams always bet on someone with these exceptional physical credentials when the draft arrives.
Just where Jones will be taken is the big question mark. But the edge presence could be one for Carolina’s shortlist once other pressing needs are met.